Corruption Is Biggest Threat to Communist Party of China, Xi Warns

Govt Resolved to Tackle Problem That Is Now Entrenched in Many Strata of Society

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Corruption is the biggest threat to the Communist Party of China, President Xi Jinping said on Jan 6, in a clear warning that the ruling party is resolved to tackle a long-running problem that is entrenched in many strata of society.

In 2024, China was rocked by a surge of corruption probes ensnaring high-profile individuals ranging from a deputy central bank governor to a former chairman of its biggest oil and gas company, adding to unease in an economy struggling to secure a firm footing and a society grappling with a fading sense of wealth.

The list of individuals included top military official Miao Hua, an admiral whose fall from grace comes at a time when China is trying to modernize its armed forces and boost its battle readiness.

Not only is corruption still pervading China, it is on the rise, Mr Xi said at the start of a three-day congress of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), the country's top anti-graft watchdog.

"Corruption is the biggest threat to our party," he warned.